Photo Credit: Billboard
Miami Beach, FL (October 21, 2026) – On Tuesday, October 20th, Billboard Latin Music Week, the most prestigious and longest-running week dedicated to celebrating Latin Music, continued the festivities with more exciting and groundbreaking discussions at The Faena Forum Miami Beach. The schedule was packed with dynamic panels and thought-provoking conversations, showcasing some of the most influential figures in Latin music.
The day kicked off with Buenos Días Con Cristina Perpiñá-Robert, presented by SGAE, where the SGAE CEO sat down with Pierre Hachar Jr., Esq. (Managing Partner, The Hachar Law Group) to discuss AI-generated music and the future of creativity. The conversation was moderated by Tatiana Cirisano (Vice President of Music Strategy, MIDiA Research).
In From Cassettes to Streaming: The Evolution of a Reggaeton Hit featuring Ryan Castro, Baby Rasta & Gringo joined in conversation with Ingrid Fajardo (Senior Social Media Manager, Latin, Billboard) to discuss the evolution of reggaeton, from distributing music on cassettes and CDs to the rise of digital platforms and social media. The artists reflected on how these changes transformed the way music reaches audiences, as well as the challenges the genre faced in its early days, when it didn’t have the backing of the music industry.
“It was tough back then. Our music would come out in Venezuela first, and only later would it get released in Puerto Rico. Then ‘La Gasolina’ came along and sold 1 million copies, and after that, all the record labels started supporting reggaeton,” shared the duo Baby Rasta & Gringo. “We’ve always searched for our own sound, because that’s how you hook the audience, and ‘Me Niegas’ is exactly that… That song reached 500 million views, and it’s the track that connected us with today’s music listeners. It was like a comeback for us. It was meant for people to listen to at home, and now they’re listening to it at the club,” they added.
Colombian artist Ryan Castro mentioned, “It makes me proud and nostalgic to watch my old videos, because my flow is truly my own; it’s my DNA.” He also spoke about the importance of having a good support system: “I don’t live like I’m in a movie all the time. I like to share with my fans. I stay in my neighborhood, with my family, and the people who work with me are friends I’ve had for 20 years. That keeps me grounded.”
The star-studded exclusive conversations continued with The New Mexican Music Generation, featuring Clave Especial, Edgardo Núñez, Emmanuel Cortés, Hermanos Espinoza and Los Dos de Tamaulipas, moderated by Isabela Raygoza (Associate Editor, Billboard Español). The panel highlighted the worldwide dominance of Música Mexicana and the new generation carrying its sound into global territory.
On the inspiration behind his corridos, Edgardo Núñez said, “I really like Chalino Sánchez’s music. I’ve always liked corridos, the stories of people who come from the bottom and overcome. Not just corridos, cumbias too.” Hermanos Espinoza, shared how they got their start in music: “In 2020, during the pandemic, I started working with my dad, and that’s when I started picking up the accordion again. My mom would book serenades for us at 20 pesos a song. In 2022, we started really connecting with people, and that’s when it all started.” They also highlighted perseverance as part of their success: “You have to keep writing and recording, because one of those songs could be the hit. Don’t be afraid to be unique, stay on your path, and with God, anything is possible.”
Among their advice for emerging artists, Clave Especial said, “Find your own style and start from there.” Los Dos de Tamaulipas added, “Be patient, enjoy the process and keep learning: lots of patience and lots of discipline.”
In Rawayana Beyond The Stage presented by Live Nation, Alberto “Beto” Montenegro, and Andrés “Fofo” Story of Rawayana, and Hans Schafer (SVP of Global Touring, Live Nation) joined Sigal-Ratner Arias (Deputy Editor, Billboard Español) in conversation around the Venezuelan band’s growth, their artistic evolution and the work behind their international success.
During the panel, the members of Rawayana reflected on the obstacles they faced early on and the importance of building a musical identity. Hans Schafer highlighted this quality of the band, saying, “There’s no path without failure. You have to find an identity, and Rawayana has that: it’s hard to copy and easy to recognize.”Rawayana’s Beto Montenegro explained how the band’s origins shaped their career: “We’re Venezuelan, and we come from a place where there was no structure for anything. We had to put together our own concerts, our own record label, and do everything intuitively.” Rawayana’s Andrés “Fofo” Story stated “The pandemic forced us to take a look at ourselves, rethink things and change. It was a turning point for us.”
The afternoon began with Film and Music, where Actor Carlos Sanson Jr., Scott Budnick (CEO, 1Community, Film and Television Producer), and Tokischa explored the intersection of film and music in Latin storytelling, moderated by Rebeca Leon (CEO, Lionfish Entertainment.)
During the panel, Tokischa reflected on the challenge of playing a Mexican character as a Dominican, and the influence of Mexican culture: “It’s impossible to do a Mexican accent; I’m Dominican, so I approached the character from my Latina identity. I’m Latina, and I brought that part of me to my performance… In the DR, we grew up watching Mexican culture. When I went to Mexico for the first time, I thought I was in a telenovela. People talk just like in the telenovelas. All the characters I watched growing up, I saw in person.” On whether Latin film could reach the same level of international reach as Latin music, Scott Budnick said that this transformation is already underway. He pointed to the impact of Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl and to his company’s work developing more Latino stories. He added, “When we find stories that anyone, no matter where they’re from, can identify with, that will be the beginning of Latin film breaking into the mainstream.”
In Starlite & Billboard No. 1’s Madrid, Sandra García-Sanjuán (Co-Founder and Executive President, Starlite Music Group) was joined by Leila Cobo (Co-Chief Content Officer, Billboard) to highlight Starlite’s growth as an international entertainment platform and its role in raising the profile of global and emerging artists. During the conversation, they announced that Billboard will return to Starlite from December 11 to 17, 2027, as part of a partnership aimed at strengthening the musical and cultural ties between the Americas and Spain.
The sounds of the Caribbean took over with Reparto: Cuba’s Modern-Day Soundscape presented by EMM, Rami Records and Plus Media featuring Bebeshito, DJ Conds, Helabusador & Rey Tony and Wow Popy in conversation with Jessica Roiz (Associate Editor, Billboard). The panel highlighted the growing global impact of Reparto music, and how these artists are bringing the sounds of the island to never-before-seen heights.
On the identity of reparto, DJ Conds said, “It’s tied to Afro-Cuban music and elements of salsa. Reparto is rumba, it’s a party; when you hear it, you want to dance.” Bebeshito explained that the genre’s growth might require some changes: “I say the genre is growing so much that there will come a time when we’ll have to clean up the lyrics. Kids and older people listen to us… You can see it when you look at reparto from five years ago; it has nothing to do with what’s happening now. We have millions of views.” During the conversation, Wow Popy announced the release of his album Mundial, a project featuring collaborations with international artists. Helabusador & Rey Tony talked about the success of their song “Dichavate,” which hit No. 1 in multiple Latin American countries.
In the Executive Keynote, presented by Maybelline New York, Yasmin Dastmalchi (President of Maybelline New York, US) sat down with Leila Cobo ( Co-Chief Content Officer, Billboard) to discuss Maybelline’s evolution, innovation and the importance of connecting with consumers without losing the brand’s identity. She also highlighted the role of authenticity in collaborations with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Nicki Nicole and Becky G, and explained how Latin music is part of the brand’s strategy to strengthen its connection with the Hispanic community. Panel attendees also received a selection of Maybelline ‘s fan-favorite products to take home and experience for themselves. At Billboard Latin Music Week, Billboard also introduced Maybe We’re Next, Maybelline’s new music discovery platform, with an immersive content booth where guests could recreate the brand’s iconic jingle and explore products through sampling and gifting.
Throughout the day, as the Official Auto partner, Lincoln gave attendees the opportunity to reset, recharge, and refocus — offering sensory experiences and special perks onsite.
The Superstar Q&A with Fuerza Regida and Memo Ochoa panel was one of the most highly anticipated conversations of the day. The group spoke on their career journey, the sacrifices behind their success and the importance of staying true to their roots. Ochoa recalled his early days in soccer and the challenges he faced: “I started at 15, traveling by bus, out in small towns… I remember a lot of things, things that to this day you appreciate things people don’t see. I would take my 2 pesos to catch the bus so I could get to practice. People think I went by car or with a driver. I had a lot of coaches who didn’t believe in me, and the same thing happened to me as a professional.” Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP), lead vocalist of Fuerza Regida, shared how music became his path and recalled his father’s influence: “Ever since I was little, I liked to sing because of my dad, because he would sing in the shower… He’s not a musician or a singer, but he sings well, and that inspired me to sing. The first song I learned was ‘Sonora y sus ojazos negros,’ and my dad taught it to me. But for me it was always about ‘singing’ or acting. My dad watched Pedro Infante and Cantinflas movies… I watched all of that and pictured myself on TV.” On the connection with his fans, he said, “In Mexico, the fans go all out; it’s a whole different story. We should always treat the fans with love and give them respect.”
The conversation also touched on JOP’s record label, Street Mob, and how it’s giving young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams in music. Its roster includes artists like Clave Especial. JOP also highlighted his commitment to his community in San Bernardino, California, through building sports centers. Speaking about this philanthropic work, Ochoa said to Fuerza Regida: “It’s important to give all of that to the Latino community; sometimes they can’t find a helping hand to get there. Maybe you won’t become a professional soccer player, but it helps you. You are an example that when you do things right, you can be successful.”
The Women’s Panel: Global Rising, featuring the brightest new female stars in the genre, Ana Mena, Aria Vega, Greeicy, LALI, Lola Indigo, and RaiNao, discussed the growing dominance of women in Latin Music, moderated by Sigal Ratner-Arias (Deputy Editor, Billboard Español).
On building her own identity, LALI said, “An artist’s identity is forged over a whole lifetime. It’s not a moment, it’s not just one album, it’s a whole lifetime. I don’t know if my knees will let me dance at 70, but my heart will. If this is your thing, it’s your whole life, through art.” During the conversation, Greeicy shared that becoming a mother hasn’t limited her ambitions: “Everyone says you lose something, but no. Now that I’m a mom, I feel like doing everything. It’s my son. This is a roller coaster, but you have to keep moving forward.” Lola Índigo highlighted the legacy of the artists who paved the way for other women, and the responsibility to keep that support going: “Just like people helped me, I feel like I have to do the same for the girls coming up. There’s room for all of us.”
RaiNao reflected on the constant evolution of her music and on creative freedom:“The most beautiful thing about music and art is that they always surprise us. I get inspired and make those sounds my own, and through that same process, new sounds keep developing. I’ll never get bored.” Ana Mena encouraged the new generation to trust their intuition and stay true to who they are, while Aria Vega emphasized, “You have to be YOURSELF. You’re successful when you’re happy, and you’re happy when you’re free.”
The Superstar Q&A with Anuel AA: Premiere Party delivered one of the most exclusive moments in Latin Music Week history. Joined by Leila Cobo (Co-Chief Content Officer, Billboard), Anuel AA debuted music from his upcoming album for the first time: a project that blends trap, reggaeton and pop while staying true to his roots.
Speaking about his new album, Anuel AA said, “I made it with my heart and soul, mixing trap and reggaeton, which are my roots. Sometimes you get so focused on evolving that you end up changing… The upcoming album will be the best of my career.” During the conversation, he gave attendees an exclusive preview of several songs from the album. These included “Sexo,” his collaboration with Elena Rose, and a corrido dedicated to Mexico, where the music has become a major source of inspiration in this new chapter of his career. Explaining his admiration for the genre, he said, “I love corridos. When I got out of prison, I wanted to do something with DEL Records, but it didn’t end up happening… I sing for the streets, and since corridos are for the streets, I get a lot of inspiration from that music.” He also shared the personal connection behind the tribute: “During a bad time in my life, Mexico was there for me, so I wanted to do this for Mexico… It comes from the bottom of my heart.”
Anuel AA described this year as one full of change: “I feel like this was a year of getting grounded. I’ve been cutting out what isn’t good for me, mentally and physically. This year really hit me. I’m not a kid anymore; time keeps moving and it doesn’t stop.” He also said he’ll be announcing a tour soon, and revealed that he’s working on business ventures to build a legacy beyond music, and to show other Latinos the opportunities available to them in business.
To cap off the panel programming for the day Milestone Moment with Grupo Duelo, presented by La Bonita joined in conversation with Tere Aguilar(Billboard’s Mexico Correspondent and Journalist) to speak on Norteño’s newfound global reach. Additionally, the group was surprised with a No. 1 Plaque from Billboard, the first time the group has received this honor.
The festivities continued with the Peermusic Artist Showcase presented by peermusic at Faena Theater featuring groundbreaking performances from ANASOF, ISADORA, Dale Pututi & Nesty.
More exclusive showcases followed, with the OneRpm Artist Showcase presented by ONErpm featuring Alex Rose, Jey One, and La Gabi.
The Warner Music Latin Showcase brought together standout talent such as Fanta Rosario, Hanzel La H, Pressure 9X19, Brray, Tury, Rowma and Turbo to the Furia Rooftop Miami.
To close out the night, the annual Billboard en Vivo: One Night Only showcase brought Fuerza Regida to the Faena Theater for an explosive celebration of the record-breaking group, bringing Música Mexicana to the heart of Miami with surprise guests including Adelaido “Payo” Solís III of Grupo Frontera, Anuel AA, Clave Especial, Los Gemelos de Sinaloa, and Yung Beef.
The festivities will continue tomorrow with must-see panels featuring the biggest names in Latin music, including Pitbull, Becky G, Maluma, Jay Wheeler, Rubén Blades, and more. For the full programing and more information, visitBillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the Billboard Latin Music Awards which will be presented LIVE Thursday, October 22 at 8 p.m. ET / 7c, on Telemundo and Peacock from the James L. Knight Center in Miami. The event will also be available on Universo and the Telemundo app, as well as throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional. Fans can also experience the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards in person, with tickets now available through Ticketmaster.
Following the awards on Thursday October 22, the week will culminate with the Billboard Latin Music Week Official Afterparty: Anuel @ LIV Nightclub Miami 21+. Tickets HERE.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 partners include AARP, BetterHelp, Harbourview Equity Partners, HYBE Americas, Lincoln, Maybelline New York, Shark Beauty, Sonesta International Hotels, Walmart and more.
